Navigating the Journey of Mommyhood, Kitchen Queen and Music Maker in My Chucks!

Tag Archives: breastfeeding

Our journey with solid food has been slow and steady to say the least. Since first introducing Harper to solid foods, Harper has mostly just been interested in experimenting with different tastes and textures. She has surprised us by nibbling here and there but seemed to prefer to nurse for her full fill of nutrients. However, in the last month or so Harper has turned into an eating machine. She is finally excited about meal time and loves to eat her snacks.

Having a baby that eats solid food on a regular basis is a whole new ballgame. Now, I have to make sure that I am fully stocked with healthy, convenient and yummy food at all times. Thank God the milk bar is still open. Always comes in handy as an option ;)

I look forward to sharing some of Harper’s preferred home cooked meals with you in the near future but I thought I would start with a quick list of some of Harper’s most liked snacks.

1. Apple Slices: This has been a go-to snack for Harper since she first got into solid foods. And for a little girl with only a few teeth, she devours them pretty well. In the beginning I would peel them but then learned that they would crumble too easily. So now that I leave the skin on, it seems to be easier for her to eat. What makes this snack so easy is that apples are readily available, even sliced, so it’s a great option in a pinch.

2. Baby Carrots: Harper won’t eat pureed carrots, but she sure will gnaw on a raw one! And baby carrots are just her size. When she is teething I will usually give her a large one to chew on that is straight from the fridge. The coolness of the carrot seems to help sooth her gums. But for a quick and easy snack, Harper is a happy girl with a fist (or two) fitted with a baby carrot.

3. Dried Mango: My girl definitely loves her fruit. And her new favorite snack is dried mango. Dried fruit is healthy and convenient. I am a big fan of anything that travels well. Not only does Harper enjoy the taste of dried mango, but she likes that she can hold is in her hand and chomp on it by herself. I buy most of my dried fruit at Trader Joes. They offer a variety of different kinds of dried fruit and the price is always right.

4. Puffs: When I was a kid, I liked to eat Cheerios. Now, there is a whole new level of Cheerio-ish snacks called puffs. And babies can’t seem to get enough. It took Harper a while to get into them, but now she is a definite fan. I do my best not to load her up on carbs, but a few puffs here and there never hurt. Plus, they are a great way for her to work on her fine motor skills as she carefully picks each puff up with her pincer grasp.

5. Seaweed: Who would have thought that my baby girl would LOVE her seaweed? And onion flavored at that! To be honest, I can’t say I am the biggest fan, but I have been found to enjoy a handful or too when I am really hungry (emphasis on the really). But all jokes aside, this stuff is snack food you can feel good about. Seaweed is rich in minerals such as iodine, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper and selenium. Also, seaweed provides fiber, vitamins, enzymes and high quality proteins. So I couldn’t be happier to have Harper start such a healthy habit at her age :)

6. Snapea Crisps: Another winner seems to be these light and crunchy Snapea Crisps. We had received a bag in one of my many subscription boxes and Harper was excited to try some. Now, we never leave home without them. She loves that she can hold them by herself. They taste great and are a healthy alternative to chips. So I never feel guilty when I accidentally eat half the bag (I do my best to make sure I leave some for Harper…).

When it comes to food on the go, I do my best to offer Harper fruits and veggies whenever possible. I am grateful that growing up my mom always provided healthy snack choices for me. So as I got older, instead of chips and crackers, I would crave fresh produce. My goal in raising Harper is to introduce her to those same type of eating habits, so that she appreciates the value of wholesome, nutritious food.

Your turn! What are some of your “go-to” baby snacks? Any foods that you are surprised your baby likes or doesn’t like?

Wow…really? That’s a lot of stuff to carry around in one bag! Is every single item truly necessary? To be honest, I would have to say yes. But of course, like any thing in life, there is no doubt you could get by without some things. These are just the items I like to keep on hand for those “just in case” moments. Because with a baby, it is always good to be prepared.

1. Diaper Bag: Before Harper arrived, I had my eye on so many cute, stylish and fancy diaper bags. Then when I actually started carrying one around I realized the most important thing about a diaper bag is how much stuff it holds and how comfortable it is to wear it. A great option would be a diaper bag that can be worn multiple ways. Many of the bags now-a-days have removable straps. So you can wear it on your shoulder, hang it on your stroller or wear it as a backpack.

2. Diapers: Whenever I go out, I always make sure I have a good stash of diapers. Nowadays, I don’t have to worry as much as we have recently began offering Harper the toilet on outings. But back when Harper was itty bitty I always made sure I had at least 5 diapers with me at all times. And then I would always restock when I got home so I was ready the next time we were out and about.

3. Wipes: Most diaper bags nowadays have a built-in wipe dispenser. But they usually don’t hold very many. I happen to believe that you can never have enough wipes. Especially on the days when you are dealing with a blow out. So when it comes to wipes, I like to bring a refill size bag. Because the last thing you want to run out of is wipes. Plus, they are useful for so many things (dirty hands, faces and toys).

4. Changing Pad: Again, most diaper bags come with a matching changing pad. And some even have a changing pad attached to the diaper bag. Either way, having a changing pad is a must! It allows you to keep your little one clean and gives you the freedom to change them anywhere. I would suggest having a few extra at home so that you can re-stock when they get dirty and not worry about running the laundry right away. In a pinch, there are always disposable ones.

5. Diaper Cream: You never know when your little one’s bum might need some attention. A diaper rash can creep up quickly and it is important that you tend to it immediately before it gets out of hand. I have found California Baby Calendula Cream to work best for Harper. She has never had a very big problem with diaper rash but whenever I notice a small sign of irritation I apply a small amount and it works immediately.

6. Hand Sanitizer: Nature may not always call in a convenient location. So having a small bottle of hand sanitizer is a great way to wash up before and after a diaper change when there are no sinks to be found.

7. Teething Drops: This item may not apply when the babies are little, but once Harper started to show signs of pre-teething I made sure I always had a nice stash of these on hand.

8. Tissue: This is one of those things you could probably live without, but for some reason I always found myself looking for some. Whether it was for Harper, or Freddie or me, tissue is always a nice thing to have handy.

9. Saline Solution: Although you may not need to use this all the time, it’s nice to keep an extra bottle in the diaper bag just in case. Saline solution helps to clear and clean stuffy noses. This can be very useful in the midst of a feeding when your little one is having trouble breathing through their nose. It is small enough that it doesn’t take up much space. And trust me, that one time that you need it and you don’t have it, you’ll wish you did.

10. Extra Clothes: I used to only carry around one extra outfit with me. But then one day, just when I thought one blowout was enough, Harper surprised me with blowout #2, and I wasn’t prepared. So after that, I always kept 2 extra outfits with me. And if that seems like too much to carry around (because it is) you can keep extra outfit #2 in your car. Oh, and don’t forget the socks!

11. Hat: I always liked to bring an extra hat with me. Even though Harper was never a hat fan, having a warm hat during the winter and a sun hat during the summer made sure that I was prepared for whatever the weather would bring.

12. Blanket: Blankets are useful for so many reasons. For one, they keep them warm (duh!). But they can also act as a cover when nursing, a shield from the elements (wind, rain), or a quick play mat at the park. If you use a stroller or infant seat, they also come in handy to create a barrier for sound which can help your little one sleep.

13. Burp Cloths: I found you could never have enough of these. I think I always carried around at least 3 with me. Especially in the early days. Harper had bad reflux and would spit up often, so I would go through them quickly.

14. Toys: I always liked to carry a few toys around with me to help keep Harper occupied on the go. Chances are they will have some favorites and so it is always a good idea to bring those along. As Harper began teething, this became more of a necessity, as the teething toys were always helpful in soothing her gums.

15. Pacifier: Harper was never interested in a pacifier (unless it belonged to someone else), but for the babies who do use them, I have been told that it is a good idea to carry an extra one with you at all times. You never know when it might fall on the ground, get lost or stolen by another baby (named Harper!).

16. Book: I learned to always carry a book around by one of my friends who had an older baby. I can remember one time we were at a restaurant and the service was a little slow and the babies were getting a bit antsy. As soon as she pulled out the book and started reading, they are immediately captivated. Bringing along a travel sized book is best because it doesn’t take up very much space.

17. Extra Shirt: Now I am talking about mom. I had to learn this one the hard way. When the babies are little, there are so many bodily fluids flying around, you never know what might end up on your shirt. Most times it’s as easy as wiping it off, but sometimes it requires a full change. In cases like these, an extra t-shirt stored in the diaper bag or the car can save you from having to go all the way home.

18. Nursing Pads: Having an extra stash of these is a great idea. Especially in the early days, before your milk supply regulates. Of course, you always have your extra shirt if you end up with an unexpected leak, but having a few nursing pads lying around will help you from having to use it.

19. Snacks: As a nursing mom, it is important that you eat frequently. Plus, if you are anything like me, there will be moments when all of a sudden you become absolutely ravenous and require food immediately. So packing your diaper bag with easy snacks that you can grab on the go will help to tide you over until your next full meal.

20. Water: Like I have mentioned before, as a nursing mom, it is important that you stay hydrated. Carrying a bottle of water with you at all times will help make sure that you don’t go thirsty. A good way to remind yourself to drink enough water is to drink when the baby drinks (nurses).

And if all of that isn’t enough, you might also want to consider sticking your phone, wallet and keys in your diaper bag as well. Because the truth is, the last thing you want to carry around is a purse. So why not just consolidate it all and make life easier on yourself. The good news is, once your babies get a little older, or starts using the potty, you probably won’t need to carry most of this stuff around with you anymore. But in the beginning, I always liked to feel prepared for whatever might come my way.

If you are more of a minimalist and would rather just carry around diapers, wipes and cream, check out these adorable Diapees & Wipees portable pouches. These are small enough to thrown in your purse and help to keep everything nice and compact.

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I just returned home from a wonderful evening filled with mommies, babies, boobies and milk. And before your mind starts to wander to places it shouldn’t, I’m referring to a breastfeeding class for expectant parents sponsored by my local La Leche League (LLL).

An active member and advocate of LLL for over a year now, I was asked to sit on a panel of experienced parents to help answer questions and share my journey of breastfeeding with expectant mothers and families. Some of the topics covered included the benefits of breastfeeding, how to get started breastfeeding, different ways to hold your baby while nursing as well as how can one seek help and support. I was honored to be a part of this wonderful group of breastfeeding mothers, offering their stories to pregnant mothers-to-be.

I was first introduced to LLL back in college. As a Family Studies and Human Development Major, I learned about each stage in life from birth to late adulthood. While we were studying infancy, we had a guest speaker from LLL who came to share the importance of breastfeeding and its benefits with the class. I was so inspired by her presentation I felt moved to become a volunteer and help spread the word. However, at the time, I wasn’t yet a mother and therefore hadn’t had the first hand experience of breastfeeding.

The mission of LLL is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. The key component of LLL is the mother-to-mother support, which to me is what makes LLL so wonderful. Not only does it make you feel more comfortable to talk to your peers, but no one knows more about breastfeeding challenges and successes than the mothers themselves.

Tonight, as I was sharing my journey through breastfeeding with the mothers-to-be, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. For one, I am continually grateful that I have had a successful breastfeeding journey. Secondly, my desire to help spread the word about breastfeeding, sparked by my initial introduction to LLL, was fulfilled. Although I am constantly advocating for breastfeeding in my every day life, this was my first “official” presentation on a panel. It made me feel good to give back, especially after all the wonderful help and support I have gotten from other mothers along the way. I look forward to continuing to be involved in similar presentations and volunteer opportunities. (side note: can you guess what I was wearing? duh…my chucks!)

Before you go, I wanted to share a wonderful video with you. If you are unfamiliar with LLL as a whole, or have ever wondered how it got started, please enjoy this quick look into the history of LLL. It is truly inspirational.

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We all know how I feel about “stuff“, but sometimes “stuff” can actually prove itself to be helpful. And in the case of nursing, anything you can do to support your success and make things a little easier, is totally worth it. So here are a few items that I found extremely helpful on my journey as a breastfeeding mother.

1. Nursing Tops: Out of all the items listed below, this is by far the item I found most important. Not only can a nursing top make breastfeeding quick and easy, but it can help ensure that mom stays comfortable and well supported, which can make all the difference. When it comes to nursing tops, there are a variety of different options. Here is a quick summary of the three styles I used most.

Nursing Bra: To be honest, I don’t even know what a regular bra looks like anymore. I purchased my first nursing bra when I was still pregnant with Harper and have been wearing them ever since. The key to a good nursing bra is to have one that is washable, breathable and comfortable. When it comes to sizing, I would recommend consulting a sales associate, as your size will fluctuate over time. I had a stash of five nursing bras because between leakage, baby spit up and every day wear, you will accumulate a lot of laundry. The last thing you need to run out of is nursing bras. So the investment will be worth it.

Nursing Tank: This is usually an alternative to a nursing bra that can be just as supportive. They are great for sleeping, layering under your favorite shirt, or paired with a cute coverall. They come in an assortment of different styles and colors. I found the cotton ones to be most comfortable and easy to clean. I would definitely recommend have a few of these hanging up in your closet as well.

Button Down Shirt: Although there are many fancy dancy nursing tops out there that allow you to access your baby’s food source discretely, I didn’t feel it necessary to invest in clothing that would only be useful to me when I was nursing. I decided to spend my money on cute button down shirts that would last me beyond Harper’s breastfeeding years. For use at home, I stocked up on button down pajama tops. These make nighttime feedings a breeze, while keeping mom comfy and warm.

2. Nursing Pads: If it were not for these puppies, I would be a soggy mess. I have been very fortunately to have an overabundant milk supply. And at 11 months, am still changing my breast pads frequently. I was never able to use the cotton reusable pads, because of my constant leakage but for my friends who did, they were very happy with them. I have always used disposable pads and make sure I have a large supply with me at all times.

When Harper was first born and we were still in the hospital, the lactation consultant suggested as I use these.

Kind of look like flying saucers right? Anyways, these were a great alternative to breast pads in the beginning as they allowed me nipples breath while my breasts were still acclimating to the whole nursing thing. They also help keep nipples erect between feedings, while breast pads can flatten them making it hard for baby to latch.

3. Nipple Cream: Although I didn’t use lanolin a whole bunch, many women swear by it. It is 100% safe for mom and baby and provides soothing relief for dry, sore and tender nipples. Many companies make their own version of it so you have tons of options to choose from.

4. Burp Cloths: You can never have too many of these. They come in handy for a variety of different things. For feedings, it is always good to have a spare burp sloth handy to clean up after any spit up. But, I always kept an extra one for myself because whenever Harper would unlatch my milk stream would continue to flow, christening everything around me. So I would use a clean burp cloth to apply pressure to my breast to help stop the flow.

5. Water/Snacks: As a nursing mother, it is very important that you continue to nourish yourself by eating frequently and drinking a lot of water. Your body is working overtime to produce milk for your baby. So in order to avoid getting dehydrated and maintain a healthy milk supply it is always best to eat and drink when your baby does. When you are nursing you will find that all of a sudden you might get incredibly parched or ravenously hungry. Therefore, it is always a good idea to have a bottle of water or a snack on hand. Things like nuts, fruit and crackers are easy things that travel well.

A great way to create a successful breastfeeding environment at home is to set up a nursing station. It is always nice to have everything you need at arms reach. This can include the items listed above, in addition to a box of tissue, hair ties, a stash of pillows and a small lamp for nighttime feedings. In our home, I had a small station in every room so that I was always prepared whenever Harper decided she needed to eat.

In addition to the items listed above, having access to a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding support group can make a world of difference in your breastfeeding journey. La Leche League is an international organization that provides encouragement and education for breastfeeding mothers through peer support. It is a great way to meet other nursing moms that you can both learn from and share your experiences with. Click here to find a group nearest you.

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I woke up this morning with so many wonderful intentions for the day. I made breakfast, did the dishes, started packing for our trip, made a grocery list, and right before we were getting ready to leave for the market, Harper decided it was time for a nap. I had tried to put her down a few times before but she wasn’t having it. So I wasn’t surprised that she was a bit overdue for some Zzzzzs. I was a little tired myself so I decided to lie down with her and fell asleep. Four hours later!!! This was a record. Harper has never napped this long in her short little life. I guess she (we) really needed the sleep! So our day really didn’t get started until about 4pm. Which kind of negated any of my plans to cook, but I’m happy with chicken chili leftovers…mmmmm :)

Ever since Harper was born, we didn’t find it necessary to put her on an eating or sleeping schedule. What we found worked best for us was to be in tune with and follow her cues. Eventually she had formed her own sleeping and eating patterns. This approach works best for us because then we are never fighting with her to go to sleep or forcing her to eat when she isn’t ready. She eats when she’s hungry and sleeps when she’s tired. It makes for a very happy family.

Because we aren’t working off a specific schedule, we go about our day and do what we have to do with Harper in tow. The great thing about breastfeeding is that it is portable. So I never have to worry about running out of food. I am comfortable feeding Harper wherever we go. Whenever she is ready to eat, I am ready to feed her.

Along the same lines, we are lucky that Harper is able and willing to sleep wherever we are. Her favorite spot is on her daddy’s shoulder but she also loves to sleep in her carrier. She gets the best rest at home in our bed, so our preference is that we can get her to sleep before or after we go out, but in the case that she gets tired while she is out, she gets adequate naps on the go as well.

For Harper’s nap and bedtime routine, she usually likes to nurse herself to sleep. However, there have been plenty of times where she has nursed and then decided she was going to put herself to sleep by sucking on her hand or singing to herself. Lately, she has wanted her dad to put her to sleep. He will usually bounce her around the room patting her back, with her head rested on his shoulder while singing to her. Once she is asleep he puts her onto the bed and lies with her for a little while until she is completely out. Sometimes her best sleep is when her dad puts her to bed.

When it comes to sleeping through the night, Harper got the hang of this early on. However, I have always fed her 2-3 times during the night. She never really wakes up but she starts to stir and will be rooting around looking for food. As long as I get her to latch before she wakes up, she eats and is back to sleep in no time. This is a huge benefit of co-sleeping. The less hustle and bustle that occurs around a nighttime feeding, the more successful we have been at getting Harper to sleep for long stretches at a time.

I believe it is important to continue to nurse Harper when she wakes throughout the night. Breast milk is natures perfect food and therefore digests very easily. As growing and developing little babies, they need as much nourishment as their bodies can get. When babies are asleep their bodies are working overtime and therefore they require sustenance to keep the fires burning.

Sleep is always a hot topic with new parents. Getting used to being more flexible with your sleep schedule is the biggest adjustment of having a newborn. There are many different approaches to teaching our little ones how to sleep and stay asleep. As a mom who subscribes to the theories of attachment parenting, I have found Dr. Sears’ approach to sleep the most helpful. Here is a great link that offers some suggestions on how to help your baby get the best rest.

At the end of the day, it is essential to remember that when it comes to babies, everything is a phase. As soon as you think you have your little one figured out, they change and grow and you are back at square one. The biggest lesson I have learned is to just go with the flow and be patient. They are only little for a short time so do your best to savor each moment, even the sleepless ones. And if you get the chance, take a break and lie down with them for a snooze once in a while. Getting in some cuddle time with your baby is the best feeling in the world!

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I think I have a plugged duct! (did you solve the puzzle?…pretty clever, eh?…thought it was more appropriate than alternative images).

Like I said before, I have had the pleasure of breastfeeding my daughter for the past 9 months. For the most part we have been smooth sailing. Until now…

I was nursing Harper to bed the other night and when I got up I felt a large, hard rod in my right breast. I had just nursed on that side so I was surprised at what seemed to be engorgement. How could I still have this much milk left if I just nursed her? And then it dawned on me…I think I have a plugged duct!

I wasn’t caught too off guard, thank God. Being involved in La Leche League, mommy groups, postpartum yoga, I have heard my fair share of stories from my friends. And luckily, all of them were successful in working through it. But when it happens to you, it’s a different story. I immediately started running through all of the remedies in my head. The first thing that popped into my mind was to take a warm shower. While I was in the shower I massaged over the affected area in the direction of the nipple. I did this for about 3-5 minutes until, bam! I was able to see a little tiny particle shoot out of my nipple and then a constant stream of milk followed. I stood in the shower for another 5-10 minutes, hand expressing until I felt that I had completely emptied the breast. When I got out of the shower I decided to pump to make sure I had gotten every last drop. I had a hard time sleeping that night because I was scared that it would come back. But luckily, when I woke up in the morning, everything was back to normal.

The silver lining in this little episode was an incident I remember when I was still pregnant. My husband and I went to buy some maternity bras one evening. The lady who helped us was talking about the different features of the bras and why certain ones would work best. At one point, she mentioned that this particular bra was her favorite because it did not interfere with the ducts. Freddie was tickled by this because I don’t think he had ever heard that word before. And from then on would always ask me how my ducts were feeling.

I am grateful I was able to cut this thing off at the pass. However, in the case that this would have continued I am glad to have a tool box full of little tricks. Here is a short list of things you can try if you find you have a plugged duct.

1. Feed from all angles. This will help to ensure you have emptied the entire breast. Try lying down on your side, hovering over the baby, having baby lie on your chest.

2. Massage the breast while you are feeding, working toward the direction of the nipple.

3. In addition to warm showers, warm compresses can be very helpful as well, especially before nursing.

4. My close friend prescribes a paste made of goldenseal and almond oil to be applied to the affected breast and then removed. This should be repeated several times a day.

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I have been so fortunate to have had the opportunity to breastfeed my daughter for the last 8 months. When I initially found out I was pregnant, breastfeeding was one of the top goals I set for myself.

I always knew I wanted to breastfeed my baby. My mom breastfed both me and my brother, so it was familiar to me. As a Family Studies and Human Development Major in College I learned about all the incredible benefits of breastfeeding and was further inspired. But as natural as breastfeeding is, it doesn’t come easy to everyone. In fact, most of my friends who have had children before me struggled with breastfeeding and ended up reverting to formula. In order to prepare myself for this journey, I attended La Leche League Meetings throughout my pregnancy. This experience helped me to learn about potential road blocks as well as listen to the various solutions offered by other breastfeeding moms and lactation consultants.

One of the most incredible moments in my life, after giving birth to my daughter, was when the nurse handed her to me and she immediately latched on. It’s moments like this where you truly appreciate the perfect design of human nature. I couldn’t have been more grateful. I was also lucky to have my midwives there to support me and talk me through it, answering an any questions I may have had. Since then, we have been enjoying a pretty smooth journey as far as breastfeeding is concerned.

In addition to breastfeeding my daughter, it was my desire to feed her on demand. On demand feeding simply means feeding Harper whenever she signals that she is hungry, rather than on a schedule. In the early days, she would communicate to us that she was hungry by sucking her hand or fussing. Now, Harper is able to use the sign for milk to indicate when she is hungry. We started introducing her to simple signs when she was very young. Whenever I would offer her the breast for a feeding I would use the sign for milk as she was approaching the breast. That way she would begin to associate the sign with the action. At around 4 months, she was able to use the sign to tell me when she wanted to eat.

But as natural as breastfeeding your baby on demand may be, our society seems to be extremely disconnected from this concept. Nowadays, it’s more common to see a baby sucking on a bottle than breastfeeding in public. And in the chance that you do see a baby breastfeeding in public, most likely they are under a nursing cover. As much as I respect a woman’s desire to be modest, I happen to be missing the modesty gene and therefore will pretty much feed my daughter anytime, anywhere. What I find so interesting about our culture, is that when I feed my daughter in public, I get people staring at me like I have 3 heads! And yet, this is why God invented the breast, to feed my baby. Of course, I never allow these people to bother me. Instead, I am happy to be an example and offer them a chance for education and enlightenment.

Breastfeeding has been an amazing experience. It is definitely one of the highlights of being a mom. I am grateful to be able to give my child the gift of momma’s milk.